Mel Wiliamson When Mel Williamson paints, she does not draw or outline before she begins but rather allows the image to gradually emerge. Dark and light areas work together in an almost sculptural way to create form. Using a big brush (or palette knife) forces her to focus on the most important shapes first, limiting detail to only the essential. Soft and hard edges reveal the subject, while keeping a quality of mystery.

Gesture and light fascinate Williamson. Flat hazy days, traffic at dusk, dimly lit restaurants, or even the fluorescence of a hardware store can be so interesting. She notices gestures every day. Mel is especially interested in people at work, unaware of being observed.

After using a computer for many years as a graphic designer, Mel loved the tactile, slippery nature of oil paint. She intentionally allows her process to show, she wants the viewer to instantly know that each piece was made by a human hand. (Read More)

When Mel Williamson paints, she does not draw or outline before she begins but rather allows the image to gradually emerge. Dark and light areas work together in an almost sculptural way to create form. Using a big brush (or palette knife) forces her to focus on the most important shapes first, limiting detail to only the essential. Soft and hard edges reveal the subject, while keeping a quality of mystery.

Gesture and light fascinate Williamson. Flat hazy days, traffic at dusk, dimly lit restaurants, or even the fluorescence of a hardware store can be so interesting. She notices gestures every day. Mel is especially interested in people at work, unaware of being observed.

After using a computer for many years as a graphic designer, Mel loved the tactile, slippery nature of oil paint. She intentionally allows her process to show, she wants the viewer to instantly know that each piece was made by a human hand.

Mel received her education in graphic design and illustration from Capilano University in Vancouver, this began her career in the arts. Painting has always been a part of her life, it thrills her to now make it a full time pursuit. She spends many hours devouring art books and magazines, and dedicates herself to weekly life-drawing sessions on Salt Spring Island.

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

When I paint, I don’t draw or outline before I begin but rather allow the image to gradually emerge. Dark and light areas work together in an almost sculptural way to create form.http://www.melpaints.com/

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Coming Events

The party is in conjunction with the island wide Canada 150 celebrations.

The event will include live music, BBQ and a beer garden.

Music runs from 4 to 10 pm both days

Event organiser Matt Steffich explains “Our landlord at Grace Point has generously agreed to allow us to close half the square and celebrate Canada’s birthday in grand style”. The event also ties into Steffich Fine Art celebrating 25 years in business. “The gallery is hosting a series of events to celebrate our 25th anniversary and this event will certainly be the most raucous!” This Canada long weekend will see live music all around town, an influx of tourists and boaters and hopefully a large gathering of locals ending with fireworks on Saturday night. Everyone is encouraged to drop by!